Call for the Resignation of Acting FDA Commissioner
Less than two weeks after the largest mass mobilization in recent history in support of reproductive freedom, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected sending Plan B® emergency contraception (EC) over the counter (OTC). With this extraordinary move, the FDA has corrupted its reputation by ignoring the recommendations of two scientific panels and FDA staff in favor of politics. The acting FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford and Steven Galson, acting director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research are playing politics with women's health.
We cannot allow the FDA to disregard scientific facts for conservative ideology. Planned Parenthood joins a dozen members of Congress in calling for the resignation of the acting commissioner and acting director of the FDA. Stand with us and take action now!
Dear Acting FDA Commissioner Crawford,
I am writing to voice my concern about the FDA's decision to deny Plan B emergency contraception (EC) over-the-counter status. I am appalled that the FDA would sully its reputation by ignoring the recommendation of two scientific panels in favor of right-wing ideology. Virtually all major medical and health care organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, support making EC available without a prescription. Emergency contraception is safe and effective and meets the FDA requirements for over-the-counter availability. Research shows that when women have access to EC, they use it responsibly, don't rely on it as a regular contraceptive method and do not put themselves at increased risk of unintended pregnancy. Access to EC does not make teenagers more likely to have unprotected sex.
The FDA decision is a major public health setback for American women. I join with a dozen members of Congress in urging you and Dr. Steven Galson to step down from your posts.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
